Fortunately, wifi/internet access when on a safari is becoming more and more accessible. Many establishments that offer tours and activities in national parks or game reserves have moved to provide free wifi as an amenity for their guests. This means that you can stay connected with friends and family back home, as well as be able to take advantage of online services such as booking activities or researching the local wildlife. Additionally, some campsites and lodges have cellular signals, allowing for the use of 3G/4G data services. However, this is not always reliable as reception can be patchy due to the remote location. It’s always best to check with your tour provider if wifi is available before embarking on a safari adventure.
Do you need wifi when on a safari?
Well, it’s not a necessity as you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of the African wilderness without it. However, having access to wifi can be very useful for staying connected with friends and family back home or researching the local wildlife – making your experience that much richer. With increasing availability in many national parks and game reserves, wifi access is becoming easier to come by when on a safari – but it’s always best to check with your tour provider beforehand.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you if you want wifi access while on a safari. If not, then there are still plenty of other ways that you can enjoy and experience Africa’s wildlife without having to rely on internet connections. Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure that you take the time to appreciate the wonders of nature, and don’t forget your camera!
Ways to get internet access when on a safari:
When you arrive in Kenya through Kenya’s main port of entry, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you can get a sim card for your phone that will give you access to the internet. With a local sim card, you can get data packages at very affordable rates.
If staying in more upscale lodges or campsites, wifi access is often included as an amenity in the room rate or is offered for free. Some establishments also offer computer stations with internet access which are available on a pay-per-use basis.
Finally, if you have a laptop or tablet, you can buy a wifi router. Huawei brand of wifi routers are very popular and are available in local stores. With a wifi router, you can connect to any public hotspots that may be available – although their reliability can be quite hit-or-miss depending on the location.
How much is internet access when on a safari in Kenya?
The main carrier with stable connectivity in most parks is Safaricom and they offer packages that can give you up to 40 GB for Kes. 3000 (about $21) and that should last you for at least a month. If you are in Kenya for just a week, this 40GB package is more than enough. You can also opt for a daily package of 1.25GB for about $0.6.
Kambu’s Internet Access Offer:
If you book your safari with Kambu Campers, you get a wifi router in the safari vehicles you’ll use for free. When renting Kambu’s campervan or self-drive vehicles, you get a high-speed wifi router that you can load data onto via your sim card or to the sim card in the router. This will allow you to stay connected throughout the duration of your safari, wherever you are in Kenya – ensuring that you don’t miss out on any of the wildlife sightings!
Internet access in lodges when on safari:
Most major hotels and lodges provide WiFi or have a connection in their central areas. In cases where WiFi is not available, some lodges offer guest computers with internet access. This allows you to catch up on emails, inform family and friends about your well-being, or handle brief business matters. Keep in mind that very remote tented camps may have limited or no connectivity and cell coverage can be intermittent. However, for safety concerns in camps located in Tanzania or Kenya, rest assured that all camps and lodges are equipped with satellite phones for communication. So, you are never completely cut off from the world.
Safaricom offers an exceptional 4G network that covers most parts of the country, including remote areas. Most leading hotels and lodges provide WiFi, either in the rooms or in the main areas, often at no extra cost. If having a connection is crucial to you, it’s advisable to contact your chosen lodge or hotel in advance to confirm the availability of facilities. Keep in mind that the more remote your location, such as in the Masai Mara, the connection may be slower or intermittent. However, complimentary WiFi is increasingly becoming standard in Kenyan hotels and safari lodges, so you can expect to have the opportunity to connect at major establishments.
How to ensure you have internet when on a safari:
Buy a sim card when you land at JKIA:
The best way to ensure you have access to internet when on a safari is to buy a local sim card specifically designed for tourists. Safaricom’s Tourist Pack gives visitors the opportunity to stay connected in Kenya with special offers and discounted rates.
Bring your own router:
You can also bring your own wifi router, which will allow you to connect to any public hotspots that may be available. However, their reliability can be quite hit-or-miss depending on the location.
Check with your tour provider:
It’s always best to check with your tour provider if wifi is available before embarking on a safari adventure. Many campsites and lodges provide free wifi as an amenity to their guests, but it’s important to check in advance.
Ultimately, the key to having internet access when on a safari is being prepared and doing research beforehand. With the right planning and proper enquiry, you will be able to enjoy all that Africa’s wildlife has to offer while still staying connected with friends and family back home.
FAQs:
Q. Is internet access available when on safari?
A. Yes, wifi access is becoming increasingly available in many national parks and game reserves. It’s best to check with your tour provider beforehand to ensure you have access during your stay.
Q. Are there any other options besides buying a sim card for my phone?
A. Yes, you can also bring your own wifi router and connect to public hotspots that may be available. Alternatively, you can stay in lodges or campsites that provide laptop stations with internet access for a fee.
Q. Are there any special internet packages for tourists?
A. Yes, Safaricom and Airtel allow you to roam on their network if you have AT&T, Verizon or other popular networks. Roaming rates are significantly higher and encourage that you get a local sim instead of purchasing a roaming data bundle.
